Chapter 44
The doctor rushed forward, panic etched across his face. “Mrs. Heath, please, you can’t get so worked up!
“You’ll tear your stitches-you could start bleeding again p>
Lucie shattered, her composure collapsing as she screamed, voice raw and desperate. “Steven, I want answers. Today. Right now p>
Only now after everything did she finally see him for who he truly was.
Steven wasn’t the thoughtful, gentle husband she’d believed in. The charming, witty man she’d married had always been a façade. Underneath that mask lurked cruelty, lies, impatience—a storm she’d never seen coming.
“I… I didn’t lie to you! I really did have fertility issues before, but I was getting treatment. Maybe… maybe it got better,” he stammered, the lie slipping instinctively from his lips.
“You’re still lying! Why? Why would you do this to me?” Lucie’s whole body shook, her hands trembling, tears streaming down her cheeks.
She’d tried-God, how she’d tried to be a good wife.
She’d been loyal to their marriage, patient with him, poured every ounce of love into their son.
So why? Why did he have to treat her this way?
“Mrs. Heath, your hand is bleeding! Please, you need to calm down p>
“Nurse, get a sedative! Now p>
“Yes, doctor p>
Blinded by rage, Lucie fought their hold, thrashing to get out of bed. “Don’t touch me! Get away from me p>
Steven, panicked, rushed to help restrain her. “Lucie, please, you’re not well. When you’re better, I’ll explain everything. I promise p>
Moments later, the nurse returned with a syringe.
The doctor fumbled to prepare the injection, hands shaking.
As the sedative coursed through her veins, Lucie’s struggles faded. Her eyelids fluttered, then closed. Within seconds, she slipped under.
“Mr. Heath, please step outside. Her wound has reopened. We need to suture it again p>
Steven drew in a shaky breath as the nurse all but shoved him from the room.
Out in the corridor, he sagged against the wall, one hand bracing himself, the other pressed to his forehead, lost in misery.
Why had he lied to her?
He didn’t even know anymore. Maybe it had just seemed easier in the moment.
The Heath family had built their fortune on gambling. In New Amberton, it was legal hell, it was the most cutthroat, profitable. business in town—but it was a world where only the ruthless survived. Risk was everywhere.
He’d been thrown into that world as a teenager, following his father into smoky backrooms and dangerous deafs, learning early how little trust was worth.
By twenty, he was running the Heath empire, fending off rivals and betrayal from every corner. He’d learned to survive by trusting no one.
At twenty-seven, his father fell gravely ill, and the business nearly collapsed. He’d needed an ally, a wife from a powerful family who could keep them afloat.
That’s when Lucie appeared.
He hadn’t planned on real marriage. It’s just supposed to be a strategic alliance to
save the family and give his dying father peace.
His plan was simple: stay married for a few years, then find an excuse to walk
away.
But Lucie had surprised him. She was better than he’d ever imagined. Loyal, loving, she’s the perfect partner.
Now, the thought of divorce was unthinkable.
The hospital door snapped open. A nurse hurried out, face tense.
Steven rushed forward, voice tight with fear. “Nurse, how is she? How’s my wife p>